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At the Watercooler ... Kalamazoo people are talking

Paw Paw District Library_Full Exterior.jpg

The year-old Paw Paw District Librar has earned LEED Silver certification. As such, it implements measurable, green operation and maintenance practices. Its exterior features Brampton brick, which mimics the look of the Carnegie Center in Downtown Paw Paw.
(Courtesy Photo)

KALAMAZOO — At the Watercooler is a regular listing of announcements from Southwest Michigan businesses, individuals and organizations.

The technology center of the Paw Paw District Library has new computer computer terminals and carrels to provide more opportunities for patrons. Courtesy Photo

WORTH PRAISE

-Paw Paw District Library has
earned Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver
certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The $3.9-million,16,432-square-foot
structure, which was completed in June of 2012, was built on a 2-acre parcel
immediately behind the community's existing library at 609 W. Michigan Ave. and
more than doubles its size. CSM Group, the Kalamazoo-based
construction management company that oversaw the building project, said a
unique features of the library is the exterior Brampton brick, which mimics the
look of the Carnegie Center in Downtown Paw Paw. The library also features a
local history room which helps it keep local history alive by maintaining
unique, historical books and facts. CSM Group collaborated on the project with architecture and engineering firm
FTC&H.

NEW DIRECTION

-Junior Achievement of Southwest Michigan elected three new directors. They are: Patrick J. Peruchietti, commercial services manager for Omni Community Credit Union; John B. McKay, financial advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors LLC; and C. Mac Waldorf, president and chief executive officer of Azenic Inc. They will help govern the organization, direct its overall growth, local strategies and the implementation of JA’s educational programs in schools throughout Southwest Michigan. “All three of these individuals will have a tremendous impact in helping Junior Achievement inspire kids to own their economic success,” said Tom VanderMolen, president of Junior Achievement of Southwest Michigan. “They are terrific community role models and leaders in the businesses and organizations in which they serve.”

-James R. Shinar of Beck, Vanwagoner & Shinar PLLC has been elected president of the Board of Directors of the Kalamazoo County Bar Association. The KCBA is committed to improving the administration of justice in Kalamazoo County, to improve relations between the legal profession and the public, and to enhance the professional development of lawyers living and working in the community of Kalamazoo. In his fifth year on the board with a term that will expire July 2014, Shinar concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, estate settlement and probate litigation, personal injury and insurance matters, family law and criminal defense. He also has certificates of training as a general civil mediator and domestic relations mediator. Beck, VanWagoner & Shinar is located in The Comerica Building in downtown Kalamazoo.

NEW BUSINESS

-Genesis Fitness and Wellness LLC is a new business that provides in-home fitness and wellness service for senior citizens. It specializes in helping people of all ages and fitness levels live better by moving more, but has a particular focus on those over age 50. The business is run by trainers Elisa Dely and Rob Kennedy. Dely has more than 10 years of experience as an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, an NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist, a Pilates Master Trainer and an instructor at West Hills Athletic Club.Kennedy has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and has been a certified Health Fitness Specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine since 1994, working at West Hills Athletic Club, Western Michigan University and in the greater Kalamazoo area. The business may be contacted at 205-433-9377.

A NEW OPENING

-Bronson Commons, a new post-acute care facility specializing in rehabilitation and skilled nursing care, has opened at 23332 Red Arrow Highway in Mattawan. The facility provides short-term nursing care and therapy for individuals who have left the hospital setting. The private-room healthcare facility has the capacity to serve 100 patients. It replaces the Bronson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Lawton which is being sold and redeveloped as an assisted living community. About 90 patients and 162 employees from the Lawton facility were expected to relocate to Bronson Commons during the week of Sept. 16.

WORTH NOTING

-Bronson Neuroscience Centerwill offer a free presentation about stroke prevention and treatment at Friendship Village on Wednesday (Sept 18). “Acute Stroke: How to Save Your Brain,” is scheduled for 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at Friendship Village on 1400 N. Drake Road in Kalamazoo. Dr. Jeffery Miller, a Bronson neurointerventional surgeon, will talk about risk factors, signs, symptoms and the latest innovative treatments for stroke. For more information or to register, visit bronsonhealth.com, or call 269-341-7723.

-Jason M. Klein, a financial advisor and partner of OsborneKlein, a platinum financial advisor practice of Ameriprise Financial, celebrated his 10th anniversary with the company and the recent opening of OsborneKlein’s new Portage office. A celebration was held Thursday evening (Aug. 29) at the new 7130 S. Westnedge Ave. location. OsborneKlein, which includes partner and financi9al advisor Shaun Osborne, provides inancial planning, wealth management and retirement income strategies. It also has locations in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Petoskey and Hillman.

COMMUNITY MINDED

-The Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Fund, awarded $4,550 in college of choice scholarships to members of the 2013 Miss Dowagiac Court of Honor. The Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant is sponsored by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce. Miss Congeniality Brittany Smith was warded $250 to attend Eastern Michigan University, where she will major in music therapy. Miss Dowagiac Amanda Hassle was awarded $2,000 to attend Adrian College, where she will major in international business. First Runner-Up and high school senior Gabby Leonard was awarded $1,100 to attended summer courses at Southwestern Michigan College. Second Runner-up and Communications Winner Katelyn Lee was awarded $1,200 to attend Everest Institute, where she will study dental hygiene. Since the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Fund was established 14 years ago, the pageant has awarded $38,950 in college of choice scholarships.

At the Watercooler — includes the widest
variety of general interest business announcements, everything from trade
industry awards to staff recertifications. Things that might be included:
awards; notices of recognition from an industry trade association; election to a
local, regional, state or national business organization; significant changes
in business hours; the change of a business location.

Also
included are announcements of new businesses in our readership area. With some zigs
and zags, that runs from Allegan County in the north, to the Indiana border in
the south, and from the Lake Michigan shoreline in the west to just the other
side of the Calhoun County border in the east. We require the name of the
enterprise, its location, a brief description of the business it conducts, the
name(s) of the owner(s) and, where applicable, its hours of operation.